Arsenal Under-21s made it four wins in a row in all competitions thanks to substitute Osman Kamara’s goal as the Gunners beat bottom side Derby County 1-0 on Friday evening.

A 2-1 win over Newport County in the Vertu Trophy in midweek saw Arsenal’s run of late goals continue, and it took until the 73rd minute for the breakthrough at the Proctor Cars Stadium.

Report:

Arsenal winger Archie Stevens caused the home side’s defence problems throughout, and Sebastian Ferdinand created chances on the opposite flank. Charles Sagoe Jr flashed a shot wide midway through the first half after Ferdinand’s cross wasn’t dealt with.

Derby frustrated the Gunners in a scrappy and physical first 45, and came close to breaking the deadlock. The Rams threatened on the counter-attack with both Cruz Allen and Justin Oguntolu mustering efforts that were just wide of Khari Ranson’s goal.

Sagoe Jr should have given Arsenal the lead on the hour mark after being played through one on one with Jack Thompson, but the striker blasted his effort high and wide of the near post.

The Gunners made the breakthrough with 17 minutes remaining, as Sagoe Jr did superbly to set up Kamara. His initial effort was blocked, but the second left Thompson with no chance.

Before kick-off, the stadium fell silent to remember the life of Billy Vigar, who tragically lost his life in the week after an on-pitch accident playing for Chichester City. Vigar represented Arsenal at youth level, and enjoyed a loan spell with Derby County. 

Full time: Derby County U21 0-1 Arsenal U21Substitute Osman Kamara’s goal sees Arsenal make it four wins in a row in what was a tight, hard-fought battle here in Matlock pic.twitter.com/3PVu3WztZJ

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) September 26, 2025

Player ratings:

Khari Ranson 6.5/10

A first outing of the season between the sticks. Strong positioning and tidy on the ball, without having many saves to make.

Josh Nichols 6.5/10

A strong outing at left-back but would have wanted to be more threatening going forward.

Will Sweet 6.5/10

Booked in the first half for tugging the shirt of the lively Owen Eames, but helped Arsenal’s defence shut out the Rams in the second half.

Marli Salmon 7/10

Excellent at the back, both aerially and in the tackle.

Callan Hamill 7/10

The 16-year-old made his first U21 start and showed signs of maturity at right-back, with confidence on the ball and strong defensive instincts.

Arsenal have a real talent on their hands in 16-year-old defender Callan Hamill, who has been superb at right-back tonight in what's been a very mature display

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) September 26, 2025

Harrison Dudziak 6.5/10

A composed display from the 19-year-old, who was replaced in the second half.

Louie Copley 6.5/10

Aggressive in midfield from the get-go.

Demiane Agustien 5.5/10

Faced his former side, having joined Arsenal from the Rams in the summer. Lively in midfield, and seemed to be at the scene of a crime whenever ill-feeling broke out between the sets of players in what was a physical game.

Archie Stevens 6.5/10

Another debutant, having recently signed from Rangers. A real outlet for Arsenal on the left wing, who enjoyed taking on defenders one on one.

Charles Sagoe Jr 6.5/10

Should have given Arsenal the lead on the hour mark but blasted his shot high and wide of the near post. Moved to the left wing upon Andre Harriman-Annous’ introduction, and did superbly to set up Osman Kamara’s crucial strike.

Seb Ferdinand 6/10

Faded as the game went on after a promising start and was substituted before the hour mark.

Ifeo Ibrahim (Sub, 59’) 6/10

Replaced Dudziak.

Andre Harriman-Annous (Sub, 58’) 6.5/10

Came on upfront as Sagoe Jr moved to the left, a switch that proved successful for the Gunners.

Osman Kamara (Sub, 68’) 7/10

Scored the decisive goal when he fired home from close range after his initial effort was blocked.

Brayden Clarke (Sub, 86’)

Subs not used: Remy Mitchell.